Is the Soft top usable for winter time ?

[Kithmo]

Seeing as the hard top is heavy and I wouldn't be able to get any help putting it on and off, I'm thinking of buying a Stag without a hard top and as I have never owned a soft top car before I was wondering if the soft top is suitable for winter driving ?
Also how easy is it to keep the soft top clean, thinking of rain spots etc like on a conventional roof ?

[Motorsport Micky]

Hells bells yes.

Having driven with a variety of other sports cars through winter and many of their soft tops were of the sticks...canvas and build it yourself versions, the Stags softop (whether Double Duck or Mohair) and frame when in good condition will give pretty reasonable winter driving and comfort. A good preventative clean and waterproofing with a proprietary brand cleaner and proofer before winter will help get the best out the hood and allow it to clean up again in spring ready for summer.

Micky

[flying farmer]

One of my Stags has a soft top, and one a hard top. I use both of them year round and quite honestly there is not a lot of difference apart from the hard top being slightly quieter. They both keep out the rain (which is more than can be said for the windscreen seal on the soft top one).
Biggest problem with the soft top is it is used as a hammock by the farm cats, and the fur sticks in the mohair!

Since most of the time the cars are covered in mud, cleaning is by hose and a soft bristled broom (which will make most classic car owners weep). The soft top just gets a squirt from the hose, I try to avoid wiping the rear windows as the grit tends to scratch them.

I far prefer the mk1 soft top for the better visibility with the rear quarter windows compared to the mk2, but it is a PITA to fold down without creasing the rear windows, definitely a 2 person job. Mk 2 hoods without the rear quarter windows are easier to deal with, but like driving a van for visibility.
Neil

[HersnotHis]

Seeing as the hard top is heavy and I wouldn't be able to get any help putting it on and off, I'm thinking of buying a Stag without a hard top and as I have never owned a soft top car before I was wondering if the soft top is suitable for winter driving ?
Also how easy is it to keep the soft top clean, thinking of rain spots etc like on a conventional roof ?

I have just sold my hard top project and ordered a new soft top from South East Trimming.

My existing tatty only lets in rain in extreme conditions

HTH

H

[davidf]

All of the above. Some winters, I don't get round to fitting the hard top. I do like the hard-top if I have more than one passenger; the rear seat with the soft top up is quite a claustrophobic place.
Also, I find in winter, if there is a bit of sun and I have the soft-top, I get tempted to put it down, and then later regret that! If the hard-top is on, it stops such mad temptations.
But without question, a good condition soft-top will put up with any weather.

[Paul Kelley]

Yes is the short answer, as above. I've done both and provided the soft-top is in good nick all round (material, rear window, zip, seals) it will cope fine. The thing I like about the hard-top is the much better visibility and airiness in the dark winter period, plus it gives you effectively two cars for the price of one! But no hard top means no storage issues, and good ones are expensive to pick up so you would need to be keen to have one. Much depends on how much you'll actually want to use the car in the winter. There's been plenty of debate on here over the years about the pros and cons of driving throughout the year versus laying up.
Paul

[Jeff]

I bought a brand new Volvo C70 (3 layer soft top convertible) 15 years ago and has stood on my driveway in all weathers as no garage (Stag in it). Apart from a green roof instead of blue that gets jet washed twice a year I have had no problems but then it is a great fit unlike the Stag soft top oh and electric.

[Kithmo]

Thanks guys. What sort of value would you put on having a hard top, versus not, when negotiating the price on purchase ?

[Paul Kelley]

Do you mean hard top? All come with a soft top but condition varies as much as with rest of car. If you find one for sale without a hard top included (probably at least half or more) I don't honestly think it makes much difference to the price. Likewise having one included; if it's in excellent condition expect to pay more but near impossible to sort its value from rest of car and its condition and history.
Paul

[Kithmo]

Yeah, sorry meant hard top (now edited)

[mjheathcote]

No problem with the softtop in winter if the car is garaged/covered when not used. Don't think it would be a good idea if the Stag is left outside all winter with just the softtop in my honest opinion.

[Motorsport Micky]

A pop on half cover attaching to wheelarches should only cost £15-£20 from Amazon if you wish to give the soft top an easier time during the worst winter weather. They have quite a few to choose from.

Micky

[Kithmo]

Yes I was thinking I'll need some sort of cover as I have another project to get rid of out of the garage, a Morris Minor that still needs some work doing.

[Jeff]

I certainly wouldn't leave the Stag out any time, always garaged unlike my Volvo.

[mole42]

Mine spent two years living at the kerb outside my house, all weathers, no problem except that the old front seal on the hardtop let water in the first winter so I used a tie-on cover until the new seal was fitted. Nice dry car after that but I have rented a garage for the poor old thing to live in now that I use a car less than every day!